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Though rumored for at least a month, Audi is poised to announce its acquisition of Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati says a Reuters report. Two unnamed Reuters sources described as "familiar with the matter" say Audi encountered no major stumbling blocks during performance of its due diligence, which suggests all systems are go.

The Reuters report seems to think the announcement could come on April 18, one day ahead of the Volkswagen annual shareholder meeting slated to happen in Hamburg, Germany. One source suggested that major Ducati shareholder, Investindustrial, would only talk with Audi regarding a buyout. The acquisition would move the Volkswagen Group portfolio to 12 brands - a target Ferdinand Piech has eyed for some time.

Timing is also consistent with the end of the Audi exclusive discussion period according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, siting that period as ending on April 15. The newspaper also suggests that Audi tried to buy Ducati back in 2005, but that Investindustrial trumped the offer and picked up the motorcycle company from its then owner Texas Pacific Group.

Comments

I love this- it adds to VW's diversified portfolio and it financially stabilizes an iconic brand.
Internationally this is a moment where the successful global mega-companies are investing billions in ancillary related products and brands.

In the long run it's good for Ducati- but the larger business trend of multi consolidations just seems to me to add bloat and bureaucracy.